Belgium v Italy, 13th June, 8pm

[Liam_SWFC]

Fantastic performance from Italy, brilliant at the back and so effective going forward. On the basis of that could see the Italians doing pretty well this year. Belgium look great on paper but the big players didn't turn up, De Bruyne and Lukaku were especially poor. Think they'll get out the group but very over hyped, a perfect example of a team against a team of individuals.

 

[Pagnell]

Belgium showing there is no point in having one of the top 5 international teams on paper if you can't play as a unit on the pitch. Piss poor showing.

Credit to Italy, it wasn't pretty (are they ever?) but they got the job done.

 

[GodsGift]

That was a fantastically cynical performance from Italy, I loved every minute of it.

If ever there was a match that showed the importance of tactics and systems, that was it.

 

[Pagnell]

That was a fantastically cynical performance from Italy, I loved every minute of it.

The dirty cynical fouls towards the end were so blatant it was almost comical.

 

[JJ1532]

Forgot I was supposed to be supporting Belgium, so here is my rant:

Marc Wilmotts needs to fuck off!!!! I don't care how many goals Fellaini gets in meaningless games, he's fucking shit!!! He should not be starting in major tournaments and shouldn't be a number 10. Why wasn't Hazard or De Bruyne in behind Lukaku from the start? Would have been way mor effective. Also, why did we spend the entire game with just 1 striker on the pitch?! Against a 3 at the back system, Lukaku never had a chance. Origi did better, but how much more effective could having them both on at the same time?

Wilmotts is a clueless tactician and has no clue how to get the best out of this team. Terrible starting XI, terrible tactics, terrible subs. Flat out awful, learnt nothing from the World Cup. But, it wasn't just Wilmotts who ballsed it up, De Bruyne was beyond abysmal, Fellaini was awful, Nainggolan shit, Hazard had no end product. Liveliest forwards were Origi and Mertens, both should be straight in against Ireland. Go 4-4-2, send Fellaini home and start Origi ahead of him, start Mertens for De Bruyne and jobs a good un. Must win game against Ireland now. Fucking pissed off.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Pelle was brilliant for Italy, won everything and did everything Lukaku failed to do all game. If Conte brings this level of solidity and tactical nous to Chelsea next season then I can't wait to watch them next season.

 

[Master D]

That was a fantastically cynical performance from Italy, I loved every minute of it.

Love games like that and they do it better than anyone, they completely did a job on Belgium. Easily the best game of the tournament so far.

 

[RavenBish]

I thought Italy were very easy on the eye, but enough about Pelle.

Played out from the back, centre-backs who are comfortable on the ball (occasional mishap aside), got forward in numbers and Eder's link-up play was sublime at times, that's with the likes of SES, Insigne and Bernardeschi to come off the bench when required.

Candreva MOTM for me and credit to Giaccherini and Parolo, not a great fan of either and I thought Italy would rue the absence of Marchisio and Verratti (I'd also have started Florenzi) but both were excellent. They lack individual talent in attacking areas but there was some positive stuff overall in that aspect, enough to suggest they won't be over-reliant on the back 3 for the entire tournament.

 

[DarkSithLord]

Just putting this here...

OptaJoe ‏@OptaJoe 9s10 seconds ago
8 - Only Dimitri Payet (8) has created more chances at #EURO2016 so far than Marouane Fellaini (7). Sideshow.

 

[Leewilson]

That was a fantastically cynical performance from Italy, I loved every minute of it.

If ever there was a match that showed the importance of tactics and systems, that was it.

According to Hodgson, formations don't win you games, players do...................

 

[G.B]

game of the tournament so far and a bloody good atmosphere too. never doubt the italians.

 

[Murphy]

Probably the game I've most enjoyed at the Euros so far. From someone who doesn't watch a great deal of European football, I was pleasantly surprised at Italy's performance and I'd probably peg them as the 2nd best team I've seen so far at the tournament. That being said, Belgium were pretty horrific until the final 10 minutes or so - Lukaku in particular just looked completely off it. Also the way they set up obviously didn't help.

Good stuff, up the Italians.

 

[voltage]

Italy did really very well. And it was good surprise considering this was being called the "worst Italy of history" since the last WC. But it's a pity Belgium has such a great squad but can't play equivalent. Though Courtois saved Belgium from a worse defeat.

 

[rudebwoyben]

Well Italy do tend to follow a shit performance at a tournament with a great one..

 

[JimJams]

Wilmots seems to be pulling a Sven/Capello.

 

[SALTIRE]

Have my ears still buzzing after having an Italian shout and scream and cheer in them last night! Best match of the tourney so far and Italy were good but it's a bit early to say if they'll have a chance at winning it just yet.